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Oxfords that don't have that washed, lived-in look?

post #1 of 5
10/27/11 at 7:41pm
Thread Starter 
I'm looking to buy a couple oxford shirts for regular and versatile use. My hope is to find a few that I can get now, then wash and live in myself. But J Crew, Lands End Canvas, LL Bean Signature, and Rugby all advertise the washed and lived-in look of their oxfords. They're taking the fun out of it, or at least what I assume is the fun out of it. Not had the chance to wash and live in a new and quality oxford thus far in my life.

So does anyone here recommend a brand of oxford that looks new when it is? I'm looking now in the $50 price range, in which all of the above fall (with current sales, at least; JC is at 40, LEC at 25, LLBS at 55, Rugby at 40.)

I suppose Brooks Brothers is the likely option, though I have a feeling their oxfords do not go on sale. And I also have a strong dislike of BB. Every time I visit I find the sales staff condescending.

Any feedback is appreciated. If someone, for example, can say from experience that oxfords more than other shirt styles are worth spending money on, I'll listen. My budget isn't great, but I'm of the mind to invest in clothes, not simply purchase.

I'm also curious to know how others feel about the washed and lived-in look (That phrase gets more awful each time I type it). Does it bother any one else?

Anyway, cheers y'all.
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post #2 of 5
10/27/11 at 7:50pm
Worn in oxfords are great, pre-worn in not so much. J Crew takes it too far. LEC actually does ok on theirs, they are softer and thinner than I prefer but for the price they are surprisingly not bad and don't have the frayed edges and such you find on J Crew. Collars suck and are way too tiny though.

Really though, when it comes to good oxfords, I prefer Gitman. They aren't cheap at around 3x your budget, but they are my favorite and they are not pre-worn in at all. They also have fantastic collars which is why I prefer them so much.
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post #3 of 5
10/27/11 at 8:04pm
Just based on the few random ones i own, the Brooks ones generally feel thicker and a little dressier so they'll take a while to 'break in'. These can be found for cheap so hunt around to avoid going into the stores. Eg member Steven Smith often has them for sale for like $40-50.
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post #4 of 5
10/27/11 at 8:12pm
take a look at club monaco sales...bought 3 oxfords from them for 20bux each..thicker than jcrew's and love the way they fit.
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post #5 of 5
10/29/11 at 9:11am
Thread Starter 
Thanks y'all. One of these weekends I need to get to NYC...no Club Monaco and the like around where I'm from.

Any one have experience with MTM oxfords in the metro NY area? I'm in southern CT at the moment, but if I can get that done for a little bit more than I'd spend at BB I'd consider making an adventure out of it.

Thought about picking up some oxfords from LEC during the fall sale but the collar kept me away. I need something to wear with a tie half the time; as a teacher I like all of my shirts to be versatile.

I've never seen GBV in person, only online. But it's the type of thing I tell myself might be worth the extra money. Of course I have a few things "worth the extra money" to buy first.

Anyone have an oxford from LLBS? 55$ and I'm happy with the other purchases I've made from the line.

I'll keep my eye on B&S; that might be the best option for now without having to settle for something distressed.

Thanks again. It's snowing right now and maybe I should skip ahead to flannel.
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